The boys basketball team at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington ended 2021 on top after winning the championship at the Beach Ball Classic tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Dec. 30.
The O’Connell Knights defeated a team from Milton, Ga., 71-49, in the finals for their first championship.
The program has attended the annual holiday tournament 11 times. This year marked their third time they advanced to the finals.
O’Connell toppled St. James of South Carolina , 81-23, and Buchtel of Ohio, 68-64, on the way to the title game, where they faced two-time defending champion, Milton, ranked No. 2 in the MaxPreps Top 25 national preseason rankings.
The Knights were named best defensive team of the tournament, and senior Christian May earned the MVP award. He has committed to Towson University in Maryland. May, along with teammates senior Cavan Reilly (University of Delaware commit) and sophomore Machi Chester, were named to the all-tournament team.
“We played very well as a team, and exceptionally well defensively,” head coach Joe Wootten said. “In the championship game, David Onanina ’22 and Del Jones ’24, came in and gave us great moments off the bench. It was great to see them all grow together as a team in this short period of time. ”
Wootten is in his 23rd year coaching the O’Connell basketball program. “This tournament is just what we needed to prepare for the competitive WCAC season ahead,” he said.
